Disciples of Thanatorum

 

Origins and Membership

Every disciple is a member of the birdlike Avesia species, themselves foreign to Dandoleon. Their membership was achieved by uncovering clues of Thanatorum's actions across the planes. Several dilapidated civilizations displayed similar iconography, evidently brought to the forefront near their demise, though present from the start. These were the Words of Power, which regarded death and its rituals. The apocalypses often appeared swift, brought on by tidal waves, volcanic eruptions, or earthquakes- all phenomena which could be evoked by experimenting with the Words. Among the Words were other signs, each depicting a piece of a larger puzzle. Depictions of a faceless Avesia figure ordaining power and fleeing let the imagination run wild, but more importantly, were the constellations that accompanied such inscriptions. The order of stars never matched that of the local sky, not at any time of day. Perhaps it was explainable as natural shifts over an undetermined number of eras, but digging deeper revealed patterns of extraplanar skies. Dozens who underwent the great homage eventually found that sky, constructing an observatory to find the bizarre entity. Before long, Thanatorum returned to confront the travelers. Astounded by their determination, he explained his history, mission, and willingness to bring the travelers into the fold. Those who accepted would be granted the title of "disciple." Being Avesia, which are naturally inclined to predation and pride, most accepted his offer. While conditions for joining the Disciples have changed as they've gained notoriety, most of their members harken back to the old method of homage.  

Tasks in Dandoleon

The Disciples of Thanatorum followed their patron following The Breaking of Dandoleon, vowing to support him on his mission. Dozens of disciples were commanded to travel the plane's circumference to erect the Birdtowers and corral survivors into secure settlements. While they operated in warmer climates, Thanatorum flew through the burgeoning Winter, feeding his spiritual miasma on the unprecedented waves of death occurring throughout the population.   Even after Thanatorum fled the plane for failing to save those who perished, his disciples continued operating, where they now migrate between towers to engage with select regions. Specifically, the disciples are the primary signal that winter is approaching, informing Dandoleans that they must begin migration or hibernation. They also resolve conflicts in exchange for ritual sacrifices and reverence, leading to waxing and waning public perception: some generations view them as reclusive death worshippers, while others believe them to be prophets with the sole capability of protecting civility.  

Detached Demigods

The disciples are worshipped on the basis of their divination and resilience, but regardless of their physical presence, many locals compare them to abstract gods of ancient tales due to their seeming disinterest and separation from local society. While they're often seen during migration, tending their towers, or observing large-scale events in Dandoleon, they rarely engage with Dandoleans aside from accepting sacrifices. Little is known about their long-term motivation, but glimpses of their ideals have been revealed over the millennia. Unsurprisingly, their philosophies range from nihilist to absurdist, with some going as far as mortalism. Those who steep themselves in darker, direct relationships with death often seek to deliver it themselves, causing problems among the populace and eventually resulting in reprimand.   This lack of engagement, and apparent lack of interest, with locals starkly contrasts with other revered deities on the plane. For example, Hymendia queens are referenced as gods, and they directly facilitate and oversee the growth of their civilizations.